Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1887-06-09
From bc Pcocia illinois, Democrat.
Going Home.

Mr. James West, Familiarity known to the
greater part of the men, women and chill
dren of Peoria as Jim West" leaves this
morning for visit to the home of his
childhood, CharlestOwn, West Virginia.
His father, a well-known citizen there, is
still living at an advanced age, and his sis
tiers and brothers are there to welcome him.
Jim has not visited those familiar scenes
for years, and the visit under the present
suspicious circumstances will be a notable
one and very enjoyable to all concerned.
There is hardly man in the city who
would be more missed from its public pla
ces during the summer months than Mr..
West will be- lie has the happy faculty
of easy acquaintance, and accordingly
knows and is known by nearly everybody
Although of strong individuality, intense
self-assertion, pronounced views on all
questions, and always ready to give rea-
son for the faith that is in him, he has ma
ny friends among all classes, and very few
pronounced enemies As the leading cham
pion of temperance teetotalism and gospel
reform in our midst, he has waged deter
mine warfare upon whisky drinking in all
its forms, and yet has treated his opponents
so fairly, has been so honest and straight
forward even with the men who sell whis-
ky, that they like him personally, although
they would probably endeavor to bear up
under the disappointment, if he should de-
eide never To return to Peoria. In his work
in the North Washington street mission,
and in his constant and never wearying
temperance talk to men on the streets, Mr..
West has done wonderful amount of good
He is a natural orator, one of the best the
city ever knew. From bitter experience in
the past, he knows all about the terrible life
of the drunkard, and is ready with his aid,
moral, advisory and material, so long as a
man shows an honest purpose and endeavor
to reform. From his own wonderful re-
formation, and the positiveness and certain
ty of that reform, he draws the conclusion
that all men can do the same thing if they
honestly desire to, and make it their bust
ness to do 50.
Mr.. West has been no less pronounced
In his political views than in his Christian
and reformatory work. Although advised
not to take so earnest a part in politics as
his inclinations would dictate, there has
never been any uncertain sound in his dec
| larations that he belongs to the old Jack
souism democracy, and glories in it. He
will take the stump for a while in his native
state for prohibitory constitutional amend
ment which is to be voted on next fall, and
will undoubtedly do yeoman service in that
field. 1t is likely that he will also make
political speeches during the early fall, and
will return to Peoria the first of September
As an orator, Mr. West stands in the
front rank. He has q wonderfully fluent
command of the English language, a clear
enunciation and ringing voice, a good
presence. a positive clear-cut, incisiye way
of making his statements and emphasizing
his points, aud above all, an enthusiasm
and magnetism that carries his audience
with him. Nh. West will return to Peori'
in time to celebrate the second anniversary
of his new life, and he will be attended IL
his departure by the earnest good wishes o
the many friends which his manly goOd-fel
lowship has called around him.